Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: mxw128 on December 29, 2006, 09:58:31 am
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Yesterday I opened my cover to get some water off of the top (Since the tub was new, I usually get a shallow puddle on top - service guys said it was OK). While it was hanging there on the cover lift, I noticed that there was a stream of water coming from one of the small round openings in the underside. (I think they are vents to let air in/out) It was a pretty strong stream of water (not a dribble) that lasted for 30-45 secs or so as the water drained. Maybe I got a quart or less of water out before it stopped...
Is is normal to get water built up inside the cover and drain from these holes? I was away for the holiday so it was a good 5 days since I had last opened it and it was cold out, so I don't know if it could have been evap from the tub that just condensed inside the cover... Any thoughts??
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Yes it is normal, and worse yet, it is unavoidable. It is caused by the steam from the tub evaporating, getting into the air holes, and then condensing again, just like you thought.
Several years ago, I had a tub that i did not use or open the cover for for over 6-12 months yet i was keeping it heated. There was so much water inside the cover that the plastic had stretched and was sagging a good 6-8 inches and was actually IN the water.
There must have been 5-10 gallons that drained out. The cover was so heavy I could barely lift it. Granted this was an extreme situation.
The cover remained permanently stretched, and the foam was so waterlogged that I had to replace it. I think the new foam inserts may be better.
Lesson learned. You need to open the cover and drain any trapped water every so often if you are not using your tub.
Neo
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I have a spa blanket that I bought from Doc, it really helps to keep the water from collecting inside of the cover. I also feel that it adds insulating value..My friend just got one because his cover became so water logged that it caved in and he had to replace it...He agrees that the blanket is protecting his new cover. Check the spa blankets out on Doc's site.
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Thanks for the replies! I guess that's the longest I've left the cover closed when it was this cold outside..
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If your cover holds puddles of water on it, call the dealer and tell 'em you want the foam replaced under warranty. We do it.
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If your cover holds puddles of water on it, call the dealer and tell 'em you want the foam replaced under warranty. We do it.
Should all the water run off the cover? I believe mine collects some water on the top. Is this a problem?
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Gombo, no it's not a problem. But if the cover's under two years old, the foam is warrantiable. If you have a hotspring's lifter attached to it, Watkins pays the dealer to replace the foam. You can also flip the foam, hence bowed the other way.
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So are we talking about water ON the top of the cover? Because my cover also seems to collect water in just 2 spots (slight indents in the cover). I thought the original post was about water collecting into the cover from the inside of the tub.
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Bonibelle, the original post referenced water on top of the cover as well. I was probably meandering.........I do that.
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Pool-boy: Thanks for the info, I'll give a call this week. The cover is less than 2 year old and I do have the dealer installed HS lifter. The dealer has been pretty good so far, so I hope there will be no hassles.... Here are some pics of the water issue I have:
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p34/mxw128/Hottubcoverwater.jpg)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p34/mxw128/hottubcoverwater2.jpg )
Gomboman: How does yours compare? I think you have a Vanguard too.. right?
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I want to know if that is an issue...because my cover is doing the same thing, in the same place. This morning it is a puddle of ice.
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I am a Vanguard owner also--SAME thing on mine. One puddle on each side of the cover, so 2 puddles total.
Looks exactly like mxw128's photos.
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Let's hear from some of the dealers out there... is the water on top of the cover normal or should it be corrected? Thanks for the input!!
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I have a water puddle on top of my spa, as well. I told my dealer, but they said with these large spas it's not uncommon. My spa...LA Spa Paradise H-2 is a large spa with a 3-piece cover. It puddles on the center segment. Is this really normal for large spas? Is there anything I should do to correct it?
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How about from a manufacturer ? ::)
It may be normal, it may not. The top vinyl is sewn to the side vinyl. Inside there's a little "flap" of vinyl where it's sewn together. If the flap winds up hanging down, on the side, normally there's no puddling. If the flap is on the top of the vinyl it causes a little ridge, which, combined with water tension, will allow for a slight puddle.
So, some questions........
If you slide your hand down the top of the cover, do you feel a little ridge (if yes, puddle is normal)?
Are the corners of the cover in contact with the spa? If not, and the center of the cover is in contact, your foam is warped, or someone sat on the cover.
Could someone have sat on the cover?
Is the spa not level and the puddle on the high side?
Was the puddle there from the beginning or did it develop over time? And, is it getting bigger?
You could try removing the foam and flipping it over.
Now, as for 3 piece covers. They're AWFULL. The center piece is FLAT and water will ALWAYS puddle on that section. I hate 3 piece covers and will ONLY make them if someone insists. And even then, I wont warrant the center piece. I much prefer our 4 piece cover that's completely tapered from the center, 6" to 2".
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Doc: The puddle has been there since the beginning. It doesn't seem to be getting bigger. Noone here has sat on it, but I guess during the transport or install one of the installers could have, although I'd think they would know better... I haven't looked for the flap that you mention, but will take a look this weekend. Thanks for hte input!!
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MX,
Unfortunately, your cover lifter is not a hotspring lifter. Cores only are covered- no labor.
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Check if the corners of the cover are sitting on the spa. Push down on them slightly. They shouldn't move. Then check the center of the side where the puddle is. If the corners aren't sitting on the spa, but the center is, I'm betting the foam is warped. YES! The foam can warp. Steam is used in the manufacturing process of the foam, and if it's not dried properly during the manufacturing process, the foam can warp shortly after it's sliced off the larger block of foam. Typically the warping can be unnoticeable, except for the puddling like you have.
Unfortunately, I know from experience, that the manufacturer from where I believe the foam came from, has had, in the past, problems with properly drying their foam.
Flipping the cores might solve the puddling problem, but then the center of the cover wont be sitting on the spa. This "gap" allows for a bit more heat to escape. Oh, and if the foam is warped, there's no way to un-warp it.
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Pool_boy: Interesting that the lifter is not a HS product. That's what the HS dealer sold and installed with the spa. I never considered that my HS dealer would include off brands if it would compromise the warranty. I'd bet he'll take care of the labor costs if it came down to replacing the cover. He's been good so far... Good catch though!!